Fish Oil Or Primrose Oil For Pms

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is a condition characterized by symptoms like irritability, mood swings, weight gain, fluid retention, headache, breast swelling and tenderness that occur before the beginning of menstruation. Fatty acids such as omega-3 found in fish and krill oils, and omega-6 from evening primrose oils may help improve symptoms of PMS.

Fish Oil

Fish oil supplements are derived from fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel or tuna and can be a good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Krill oil extracted from a shrimp-like marine animal was significantly more effective than fish oil in decreasing emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to a study published in the May 2003 issue of "Alternative Medicine Review" by F. Sampalis and associates.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and is a great source of omega-6 fatty acids.

Study of primrose oil's efficacy for PMS treatment has shown mixed results, states Heather Boon, PhD and author of "50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs." She further states that primrose oil may help PMS suffers because this oil influences the production of prolactin, a hormone that plays an important role in the development of symptoms associated with PMS.

Evening primrose oil is a highly effective treatment for the PMS symptoms such as depression and irritability, breast pain and tenderness, and fluid retention , says researcher DF. Horrobin, in an article published in the July 1983 issue of "The Journal of Reproductive Medicine." His conclusion was based on a review of three double blind placebo-controlled trials and one large open study that evaluated the effectiveness of primrose oil for PMS treatment.

Safety Concerns

National Institutes of Health states that primrose oil may be potentially unsafe during pregnancy, and also should not be used if you suffer from epilepsy or seizure disorders, schizophrenia or any bleeding disorder.

Primrose oil may also interact with certain conventional drugs such as blood thinners, drugs used during surgical procedures and a class of medication called phenothiazides.

Fish oil appears to be safe for most people, including pregnant women, in doses lower than three grams per day, according to National Institutes of Health. Fish oil may also interact with blood thinners as well as birth control pills and anti-hypertensive drugs.

Considerations

Based on current research, it appears that primrose oil is more effective than fish oil in improving PMS symptoms. Consult a health care provider to find out if fish or primrose oils may help you, and to discuss your optimal dosage. Keep in mind that fish and primrose oils do not replace any conventional medications you are currently taking.